Definition of fence in

The term "fence in" originates from the verb "to fence," which originally meant to create a barrier or enclosure using wooden or stone fences. This usage has been traced back to the 15th century in Middle English. The phrase "to fence in" was likely first used in the 19th century, as it signifies the act of confining or enclosing something within a boundaries. By the early 20th century, "fence in" was widely used in agricultural contexts for describing the process of containing livestock within a property. The term eventually expanded to include other scenarios, such as demarcating the perimeter of a sporting field, defining the borders of a construction site, or outlining the limits of a particular area in order to control access or prevent escapes. Overall, "fence in" is a useful phrase that has evolved over time, retaining its agricultural roots while expanding to encompass a wide range of conceptual and practical applications.